Gallacher would expect nothing less from his friend and will try to hunt down Ramsay and the runaway leader, the South African Hennie Otto, also expecting nothing from the Europe captain, Paul McGinley, should he fall short.

There is a growing suspicion that Gallacher has done enough to earn one of McGinley’s three Ryder Cup wildcards, which will be named on Tuesday, and Ramsay added his backing.

“If Stevie does not qualify automatically he would be an asset to the team, not only because of his ball-striking but his attitude as well,” Ramsay said. “His record at Gleneagles is impressive too.”

Gallacher is not even considering this scenario as he chases a debut in the biennial dust-up. The 39-year-old arrived in Turin determined to give himself a chance on the final round and he believes that this third-round 69, which featured four birdies and one bogey, “keeps me in touching distance” on 10‑under.

“The worst thing I could have done was open up a big gap which was insurmountable,” Gallacher said. “I’ve done my day job and done it well but it is a long week and will take a lot out of me mentally. But I have two weeks off after this and, with one round to go, will give it my best shot.”

Otto is two clear of Ramsay, with the Austrian Bernd Wiesberger on 13-under and two Englishmen in Lee Slattery and Ross Fisher, one ahead of Gallacher.

“It’s all to play for,” Gallacher said. “Guys have won from further back than this. I’ll just go out and try to get as many birdies as possible and see what happens. This is the only time in my career when I would be happy not to win. Second will do me fine.”